Odd-even rule in Delhi: The odd-even scheme for cars in its second phase will again be implemented from April 15 to April 30, Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal said here on Thursday.

Odd-even scheme in Delhi: While the scheme will be in full force for cars, two-wheeler riders will be exempted, says CM Arvind Kejriwal. The Aam Aadmi Party leader added that about 500 retired military personnel would be recruited to enforce the odd-even curbs in April. (PTI)

Odd-even scheme in Delhi: The scheme for cars in its second phase will again be implemented from April 15 to April 30, Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal said here on Thursday. He said the scheme cannot be implemented on a permanent basis in Delhi — home to nearly 90 lakh vehicles — till public transport was in a position to cope with all those who would take to it.

The odd-even scheme is aimed at curbing pollution in Delhi as it has soared to extremely high, even toxic, levels. However, according to certain studies, cars are not very high contributors to overall pollution levels in the city.

Kejriwal said the Delhi government was discussing whether the scheme — under which cars with odd registration numbers would ply on odd dates and those with even numbers on even dates — should be enforced every 15 days a month. “This is only under discussion now,” he said, flanked by Transport Minister Gopal Rai.

The timings of the scheme are from 8 in the morning to 8 in the night and this is in force only 6 days a week.

“If the people of Delhi cooperate, if they can bear with the difficulties for six days a month, then we can think of this.”

Arvind Kejriwal told a news conference that this was decided following feedback from the people of Delhi in the wake of the January 1-15 experiment which he and his ministers said had proved to be a hit.

“The next phase of the odd-even scheme will start from April 15,” he said, adding that two-wheelers and women motorists would continue to be exempted.

“If we implement the scheme on the nearly 30 lakh two-wheelers, there will be chaos,” Kejriwal said.

According to Kejriwal, when traffic curbs are implemented for two weeks, each category of car owners is affected only for a maximum of six days as the scheme is not applicable on Sundays.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader added that about 500 retired military personnel would be recruited to enforce the odd-even curbs in April.

He said most people in Delhi wanted exemption given to the VIPs in January to go.

Kejriwal indicated he was not ready for this.

“We will request VIPs to follow the (odd-even) system. But we will keep the exemptions. The more the VIPs follow it voluntarily, it will be good.”

Odd-even scheme: top 10 takeaways:
1. The odd even scheme starts on April 15, which is a Friday, and will be applicable till April 30

2. Cars with odd numbers will be allowed on roads between April 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 (Sunday is open for all), while those with even numbers will be allowed on roads between April 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and so on.

3. The odd-even scheme will be implemented based on the last digit of the vehicle in the number plate.

4. The odd-even scheme is be applicable between 8 am and 8 pm, six days a week.

5. Sundays is free for all vehicles.

6. The odd-even scheme will not apply on women and 2-wheelers too; all CNG vehicles too will be exempt from rule – they need to get a sticker from an IGL centre; VIP cars, emergency services too are exempt. Embassy and high commission vehicles too are exempt, but some, like the US Embassy, have said they will follow the rule in letter and spirit.

7. Those caught breaking rules will be penalised as much as Rs 2,000

8. Greater number of public service buses are to be deployed; Delhi Metro is expected to increase frequency